A Fate Found In Clues

by Kelli Cooke

Genres: Romance

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Corporate Girl turned Author, Kelli Cooke writes vibrant, funny, and authentic love stories. As a hopeless romantic, Kelli strives to bring a creative twist on what love looks like in real life infused with the kind of comedy that will keep you laughing long after finishing her books. While comedy is the star she also focuses on threading in raw emotion and hopes to impact hearts for years to come.

When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing around her two kids or binge watching a show with her husband. Kelli never expected to become an author but has embraced harnessing her creative ability and adores sharing her vibrant tales with her readers.

Reviews

[Emma Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a satisfying read. The way Max and Sadie find each other and connect throughout the book is charming and whimsical! A perfect low-stakes read. I love the magical elements and the way you sometimes have to just let go of control and go with the flow of the universe. The spice was balanced and fit perfectly within their story arc. Really great book and I recommend this series to anyone who likes small town, magical, rom coms.

I loved that their chemistry felt real and the intimacy developed over the course of the story. I got to know them as they got to know each other, which makes me feel closer to the characters.

“Spending time around her is like spotting a unicorn in real life—it just doesn’t come along every day—or ever.”

Also it has one of my fave micro-tropes! He comes in his pants! Chef’s kiss.

One thing that was mildly annoying to read was, what I felt to be, an overuse of the word “coos” to describe a character speaking dialogue.

[Melissa Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
This was a fun, heartwarming- friends to lovers romance with witchy vibes from witchy sisters playing match makers! It was fun solving each puzzle along the way that lead them to love 🫶

Thank you Kelli for including me as an ARC reader!

Favorite quote:
Happiness, true fulfillment in life, is only found when we embrace the things that are uniquely designed for us.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very minor spoilers ahead:




I think this book pulled me out of the 4 month long book slump I’ve been in. It was THE PERFECT sweet, silly and sexy romance I needed to get me back into reading.

This is my second time receiving an ARC for this author and series and both times I loved the books. But this one is my absolute favorite. Sadie and Max were so perfect and the way they instantly had a connection and how easily they fell into love reminded me a lot of my husband and i’s story. It was different obviously but the ease of it, and how it just made sense for both of them is what reminds me of my relationship.

I loved the writing, this was such an easy and captivating book, the flow was perfect. It had so many sweet moments between all the characters, so many funny moments and it was seriously just the perfect romance.

I am so excited to see what else we get from this series!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun visit to Mage Hollow! If you love a small town romance with a little magic you will love this book! And I loved the character crossover from the Cassandra Moll hockey series! So fun!

[Teddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review✨ I was so happy when I got this arc because I loved the first book so much! This book was everything I needed to get me out of the little reading slump I’ve been in. I LOVED it sooo much! Kelli really knows how to bring all the cozy witchy vibes. A Fate Found in Clues was heartwarming, whimsical and so much fun to read. It was fun trying to go through the Clues with Sadie & Max while watching their relationship build.
If you haven’t read the first book “A Heart on a Sleeve” please do so before reading this one! You won’t regret it🖤✨

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but this book really looked at burnout, said “you’re going home whether you like it or not,” and then sprinkled in magic, puzzles, AND a soft man?? Oh I was SOLD.

Sadie starts off as that girl—you know the one:
✔️lives for her job
✔️ emotionally unavailable (to herself included)
✔️ thinks “rest” is a personality flaw

And then life hits her with a panic attack and says:
“Babes… log off.”

Watching her return to her magical hometown and slowly unravel all that pressure? Painfully relatable but also so satisfying. Her growth feels real messy, resistant, and full of “oh… maybe I don’t have it all figured out” moments.

Enter: the mysterious puzzle book.

This isn’t just cute riddles and vibes this thing is basically:
✔️part scavenger hunt
✔️part emotional intervention
✔️part “stop overthinking and go LIVE your life”

The way the clues spill into the real world?? OBSESSED. It forces Sadie out of her spreadsheets-and-control era and into something way more human.

Because honestly? If a magical clue book showed up in my life and told me to go outside and fix my emotional damage…

…I’d complain first, obviously. But I’d go!

[Nicke M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fictional town of Mage Hollow is just really special. You don’t have to read A Heart On A Sleeve, the first book in this series, before you read this one but I highly recommend you do. It helps with feeling connected to the town, the characters, the magic. Max & Sadie are a fun & cute couple and I loved reading them. Their story, solving the clues, and falling in love was just really fun to read. I smiled a lot. I liked seeing precious characters show up in this book and thinking about whose story might be next. And I LOVE the connections to another book series I love throughout this book as well. IYKYK.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the chance to ARC read this book! I really enjoyed it a recommend!

[Selma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I’m so so so excited to see who’s story is next!
Firstly thank you so much to Luna Literary and to the author for the opportunity to read this incredibly charming story.
If you want to fall in love with a magical charming town where each side character is also a beautiful addition to the story line.
In this story we follow Max and Sadie in the incredible town of Mage Hallow and their puzzle to falling in love. I loved how Max and Sadie both cared so much about the youth and how much of an impact they wanted to make for the kids in sports. As someone who worked non stop for many years I appreciate the way the author writes the Sadie into taking some time off work because she needed to live for more than just work.
It is low stakes but very captivating, I will say the pacing is perfection their chemistry is amazing and just the way they fall for each other was delightful and delivered perfectly.
This is the perfect read for spring. And if you haven’t read A heart on a Sleeve that’s okay ✅ it’s not necessary for you to enjoy this one, but I would recommend reading that one in fall! 😉

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so fun, sweet, cozy, and unique, with the perfect amount of spice. Kelli says it's Gilmore Girls meets Hocus Pocus, and that fits it perfectly.

Full of small town New England charm, with a magical twist involving three witchy meddling matchmaking sisters making all sorts of intriguing things happen! You get to soak up all the summer activities and vibes and laugh at the hilarious shenanigans of this town and its inhabitants!

I had the best time reading this book. It was such a breath of fresh air, like the most perfect spring day!
This is my second time visiting Mage Hollow, and just like the first I didn't want to leave! I cannot wait to be back!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from the very first page. A witch’s curse and a touch of magic bring Sophie and Max together, but it’s their undeniable chemistry that truly makes the story shine. Set in a beautifully crafted magical town, the author creates a world filled with characters who feel so real they linger long after the final page. Charming, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.

[Leah Richmond~ Chapterbooks_andcoffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! This book was such a breath of fresh air! The love story between Max and Sadie was so sweet and heartwarming. This is such a great friends to lovers trope. It made me smile the whole time and the flow of the writing style made this read so easy. I felt cozy vibes throughout and did not want to put this down! Thank you for including me in this early read!

[Peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Kelli Cooke’s A Fate Found in Clues, we come back to Mage Hollow during the summer, where the sun is out, seafood is in abundance, and our favorite Mage Hollow witches have found someone new to meddle with. Grab your bathing suits, sunscreen, and towel as we head on over to the beach in this perfect summer read that’ll have you reading everything in one sitting.

Sadie Wells is your classic Type A go-getter. Everything she has done is through pure intelligence, grit, and perseverance. Her entire life has led her to work for the Golden City Flames organization working in their youth outreach program. But when her life’s work becomes too overwhelming, she takes a sabbatical to reevaluate her life choices. Easier said than done. Hockey has been Max O’Reilly’s life for so many years. But as the years go by, and the concussions keep occurring, he makes the decision to step back from everything he has known in order to preserve his brain. Now, he’s volunteering and private tutors young hockey players as he tries and figures out his next steps in life. So what happens when Mage Hollow’s very own witches decide to meddle in the heart’s affairs? They create a literal puzzle book and have them solve clues to figure out the answer. With time ticking by, will they be able to solve it? The book itself doesn’t seem difficult to solve, but affairs of the heart are. Perhaps that book might have a clue, and by solving each puzzle, it'll reveal the answer to their fate.

What’s not to love about Sadie and Max? Sadie is a workaholic who has no social life, which is all too relatable. Max’s life is turned upside down when he no longer sees a professional hockey career in his future. Who hasn't had their life take a sudden turn. Both are dealing with life problems, and they slowly lean on each other for guidance. Their time may be short, but it’s the quality, not the quantity of time, that matters. They learn so much about the other, and openly express how they want honesty to be the foundation of their relationship. If there is anything to take away from this book, it’s to have balance. Work is important, but so is life. You might miss out on stuff if you’re too focused on one aspect. If you've read the first story in this series, those characters still make an appearance in this one, and help our leads find their fate.

Just as how A Heart on a Sleeve is great to read during the fall, A Fate Found in Clues is a great summer read. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series, and which characters we'll focus on. If it’s anything like the first too, I’m sure we’ll see our favorite witches meddling in the lives of our favorite Mage Hollow citizens.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from Kelli Cooke and Luna Literary Management for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My intentions are to write feedback that reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s purpose.

[Jordin Messenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book, and this review is based on my honest opinion.

This was such a sweet, fun read. Sadie heads back to her hometown to take a break from work and reconnects with Max, a high school peer.
I loved the little quest her “aunt” sends her on. It added fun, and watching Sadie and Max work through it together made the story feel really cozy.
Sadie is a total workaholic who needed this reset, and I liked seeing her start to enjoy life more. Max is just an all-around good guy and is still figuring things out, which made him really easy to root for and relatable.
Their relationship is a slow burn. There’s also a little bit of spice mixed in, which I loved!
Overall, a cute small-town romance that’s light, sweet, and easy to get into. I’d definitely recommend it if you want something cozy with a little extra sparkle.

Thank you to Kelli and Luna Literary Management for including me as an ARC reader!

A Fate Found In CluesKelli Cooke

[Sarah Putrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and heartwarming read with a witchy vibe. It may have taken me quite a bit to get into the book but once I got into it I was hooked. I knew about half way through this book was going to wreck me so be prepared to need some tissues.

The story is about Sadie who has a break down at work but is also cursed from a witchy friend to solve some puzzles while taking some downtime. She enlists the help of Max who she used to tutor back in high school. Max and Sadie both work in the hockey world and their time in their small town is limited to a month. They agree to make the most of the time they have together and solve the puzzles along the way.

Sadie and Max were the cutest! I loved their chemistry and banter. I really liked their relationship built up and them falling for each other. Max was such an amazingly dreamy book boyfriend that he's easily in my top favourites.

I loved the hint of magic in the book and how that puzzle book kept appearing everywhere following Sadie. All the characters were lovable and I enjoyed getting to know them all. I can't wait to dive into more stories in this world.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Luna Literary and Kelli Cooke for my advanced copy.

This was really cute! Sadie is on leave from work and returns home to Mage Hollow to visit her family for the first time in years. She runs into Max who she tutored for a few weeks in high school. Sadie's Mom's best friend, Beth gives her a book and tells her to solve the rest of the crossword puzzle. Come to find out the book is a bit magical. Max being the sweet guy he is offers to help her solve the clues, and it brings them closer together. They plan to only spend a few weeks together over the summer as Sadie needs to get back to work eventually and Max has a new job offer across the country to get to. Well let's just say fate has a way of working things out. This is book 2 but they can obviously be read as standalones as I didn't feel like I missed out on anything from not having read the 1st book. This just released today!

[Colleen Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ideal summer beach read! It’s a cozy fantasy that fits my vibe perfectly. The two main characters are relatable and have room for growth, but they don't face any major flaws that need fixing.Although this standalone romance is part of the Mage Hallow series, you can enjoy it on its own. That said, reading it alongside A Heart on a Sleeve and Cassandra Moll’s Golden City Series adds depth, thanks to some crossover characters.Sadie is an overworked and a bit anxious foundation worker in charge of the Flames Hockey Team Foundation, which highlights kids involved in hockey. Max is a former player who couldn't make it to the big leagues due to injuries and is now uncertain about his next steps. This book is perfect for anyone looking to escape into a delightful summer story!

[Mandy Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for A Fate Found in Clues Book two of the Mage Hollow Magic series. Im so excited to read this series.
This is Max and Sadie's story...
After Sadie has a panic attack at work he boss makes her take a sabbatical from work. He other friend Beth. Decide she needs a push in the right direction.
Max had to quit playing hockey after getting hurt to many times. Now he is a volunteer coach but needed a job with pay.
When Sadie comes home she didn't expect a Magic book to show up everywhere she goes especially around Max. Max is more then willing to help with her magical crossword puzzles that seem to be leading her to one thing. I love this series is is beautiful and I cant wait for more.

[Minding My Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches, Romance, and Puzzles?? Sign me up!!

That’s what you get with Kelli Cooke’s A Fate Found In Clues. This book is sweet and funny. With small town vibes throughout (think Gilmore Girls) and all the neighbors being noisy (in a nice way), Mage Hollow offers a return for Sadie that is comfortable and slow paced. Recently put on leave at work, this is exactly what Sadie needs combined with a little help from one of the not so secret (but still secret) witches in town. Left with a magical book full of puzzles (that she tries to get rid of multiple times, lol), Sadie must complete the entire book to “find the answers she is looking for.” It is while trying to Isolde these clues that she runs into Max, who she tutored during high school.

Max is a former hockey player who has had to quit playing due to an injury. He now volunteers with the local kids hockey team. He keeps running into Sadie when she returns to Mage Hollow and after so many run-ins agrees to help her figure out the puzzles in the book.

Together Max and Sadie attempt to solve all of the clues in the mysterious book and build a relationship along the way.

Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Witchy Vibes
Small town
Puzzle Solving
Former Hockey Player x Workaholic
Slow Burn

Thank you so much to Kelli Cooke for the ARC!!!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice level: 🫑🌶️ (mild)

This is the second book in the mage hollow magic series but can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first book but with how much I enjoyed this book, I'll definitely be going back to read book 1. We follow Sadie as she works on finding the balance between work and having a life, of course she cannot do so without the "push" from a family friend. Don't worry, she obviously needed help solving the clues and who better than Max. These two had great chemistry and their opposite personalities made it very fun to follow. While we did get some fiery scenes, we didn't have enough for me to rate it higher than a mild spice BUT don't let that stop you from reading. The story kept me very much engaged and laughing without the wild dirty stuff.

[Katherine Reaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magic puzzle book , a hot X hockey player, smart, sassy woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and a town so charming that I wish I could live in it for real. What’s not to love about a fate found in clues ? Max and Sadie are absolutely adorable in this witchy ,spicy romcom about two people who knew each other in high school briefly and reconnect when she returns to her hometown. All of the characters in the story are so endearing. I have to say Sadie‘s mom is my favorite character. I see a lot of myself in her. I am a total helicopter Mom My kids are the same age as the FMC and the MMC and I absolutely love how she puts her nose into her daughter‘s love life I may or may not have hidden in some bushes to spy a couple times myself .
From the first sentence the writer draws you into the story and you can’t help but fall in love with Mage Hollow and all of its residence. I wasn’t aware this was the sequel to a previous book which I have promptly downloaded and will be reading as soon as possible. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the series

[DaniReads12]

📚A Fate Found In Clues📚 by the one and only Kelli Cooke.
@kelcookesbooks

This is the second book in the Mage Hollow series.
This fun summer rom com is a must read.

Kelli adds her magical touch to every story leaving feeling like there's true magic in the world. Kelli created Mage Hollow as a place you'd want to pack your bags and move to.

This story Sadie and Max is one of mysteries and fate.
Moments of laughter, moments you're at the tip of your chair. Kelli, my dearest indie author friend, keep making your magic. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to move to Mage Hollow.

[Melissa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of 2 people who come together after having known each other in high school but not dating. Sadie is a workaholic that needs to have some fun and find her work-life balance. Max is a great guy that hasn’t found his dreams just yet. A book of clues left for Sadie leads her to her fate while she and Max are hanging out for a few weeks in their home town. There’s a touch of spice too. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to read a small town, sweet and spicy love story.

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, small town romcom with a charming setting, whimsical plot, relatable characters and a touch of magical appeal! A friendship between opposites, Sadie and Max, trying to figure out their future, develops into more as they go on a quirky quest involving keys and clues that requires them to work together. They had to face some tough decisions too, putting life into perspective. I smiled and laughed, and had a good time! I’ll go back to Mage Hollows with its Gilmore Girls vibes and characters any day!
Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC

[Rida Colon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to be chosen for an ARC read on this one. Absolutely loved this easy romance read that hooked me from the start. Each chapter had me wanting more clues, more of Max and Sadie’s friendship that you could feel the emotions radiating off the pages. The witchy magical vibes thrown in with the characters coming together to work out the puzzle keeps you hooked on their journey. As a workaholic myself it was so easy to relate to these love interests and their story. It is an interconnected series and I cannot wait to read more.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely read book 1 of the series first. It gives you a better background of the characters and I find it more enjoyable knowing more about the other characters in the story. I cannot wait for the next one. This author stories are exactly what I’m looking for something light and easy to read. They keep my attention and I want to find out what happens. I will be reading anything Kelli publishes.

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and funny. Sadie and Max reconnect when she heads back to her hometown while taking a leave of absence from her job. Her pseudo aunt sends her on a quest that involves solving some crossword puzzles. Along the way, she and Max discover the magical nature of the quest and work together to have some fun while solving the puzzles. They both know their relationship has an end time, but that doesn’t stop them from falling for each other. Is the timing right for them? A slow burn romance with a little bit of spice. Super fun read!

[Liliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romcom was such a well-written story!
The magic touch kept me on my toes, and I just wanted to keep reading more. I definitely need to read the first book now since I enjoyed this one so much! I really liked that there was no miscommunication or unclear expectations. Max and Saddie wanted a summer romance, and that's exactly what they got. Benny was my favorite. I can't wait to read more!

[Rebecca Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed my second trip back to Mage Hollow. Sadie and Max’s story was such a fun read, filled with magic, hilarious moments, warm weather vibes, and just the right amount of spice. I found myself completely swept up in their world. If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic, you will definitely want to check out A Fate Found in Clues.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review💕 I got to meet this author last year and she was such a wonderful person to talk with.

This series is just so fun to read.

This book A Fate Found In Clues, got me all kinds of in the feels, I laughed and I cried. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book, the FMC and MMC clear communication with each other and just the all around awesomeness of a supportive family.

[Becky Mansur · Rating 5 out of 5]

even cuties than the first

I enjoyed book one and the changing tattoo/curse, but I think I liked this one more. Maybe because the “curse” this time was more of an obvious matchmaking. The aunt pushing for her to slow down and see what’s there. I can’t wait to see what happens next- hopefully Howies story.